The New EU-Swiss Agreement: A Complicated Saga
On Friday the 13th, the Swiss Federal Council is expected to release and send the new agreements with the European Union into consultation. This marks a significant moment in Swiss politics, with the outcome being one of the most challenging and contentious issues the country has faced. While the final decision is yet to be confirmed, recent signs indicate a resolution is near. The European Commission has already published the new treaty, only to remove it shortly after from their website, hinting at a potential delay in the Federal Council’s decision. A press conference is anticipated later in the afternoon.
The Extensive Nature of the Agreement
Following the conclusion of negotiations with the EU at the end of 2024, the publication of the contracts represents a crucial step in a lengthy process. The package is comprehensive, with an expected document stack of 1800 pages. The revised or newly negotiated bilateral agreements cover essential topics ranging from immigration and trade to research and power supply.
EU’s Demand for Greater Commitment
The core motivation behind this exercise stems from the EU’s desire to discontinue the current bilateral approach with Switzerland. They seek more commitment from Switzerland in adopting new EU regulations and addressing disagreements. These institutional rules will now be directly integrated into individual agreements, as opposed to a framework treaty that was previously attempted unsuccessfully.
- Five agreements under the Bilateral I framework will undergo this adjustment.
- Significant implications arise in areas like freedom of movement concerning immigration and wage protection.
- The package also encompasses three new bilateral agreements, with a focus on electricity and securing Swiss university participation in EU research programs.
- Financial commitments include tripling contributions to development projects in poorer EU countries to 350 million Swiss francs annually.
Theatrics of the Swiss People’s Party (SVP)
Opponents have already taken a stand, with the SVP orchestrating a public spectacle outside the Department of Foreign Affairs in the afternoon, where Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the chief overseer of the EU dossier, is based. The SVP’s campaign escalates with a focus on personal attacks, as they invite journalists to witness an event titled “Federal Councillor Cassis Tears Up the Federal Charter.”
If the Federal Council indeed initiates the consultation today, it is likely to run until the end of October. The Parliament will then take over next year, with the final decision resting with the voters, potentially requiring majority approval from the cantons. The voting rules will be determined by Parliament.
